Some might say security was an important aspect of maintaining freedom. Metal detectors, cameras, random searches from security, constant invasive questioning, and more. All of it came about because of past tragedies and loss of life when someone decided it was a good idea to weaponise planes. Flying metal tubes in the sky were dangerous in the wrong hands. So, it was a necessity to prevent another tragedy, even if it steps on the privacy of others.
However, the system was established during the modern era to provide another reason to enforce invasive security measures wasn’t to prevent death from happening. It was because it was bad for business if things didn't go to plan. Because the world was ruled by coin and not by morals. Sometimes money can get you a fast past through security checkpoints. A little bribery here, a gift there, and everyone can do anything. Someone had bills to pay after all.
Mark Esmen, walking through checkpoint after checkpoint with a specialised briefcase he bought which could bypass every scanner on the planet. It was a simple silver ten-inch by ten-inch case with the cheapest handle outsourced by some Chinese company. However, people can forgive them for cutting corners when the briefcase can bypass security measures. A multimillion-dollar payment that was totally worth it.
What was inside? What was so important which caused a man to go to lengths to spend a ridiculous amount of money and not get caught by Miami International Airport security personnel? Most of whom were paid with a casual salary and almost no benefits. Was it a bomb, hardcore drugs produced by a gang in some third world country?
A revolver. A Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver. Something so basic and common it could be bought from any store in the United States of America. A gun so unremarkable, it was meant to be used a few times before being thrown away like a piece of trash. A gun for the poor.
But that revolver was special to Mark. It wasn’t just any gun some guy could buy from a supermarket chain. It was far more special than that. Mark held the weapon close to him because it had a place in his heart for it was the last gift his father gave him. A tool for killing, a weapon forged for war and enforcement.
Though despite the intended purpose and use of the weapon, it reminded Mark of the best parts of his youth before it was taken away from him. Sometimes he wondered what he would be doing if his dad was still around.
However, he wasn’t in America for a simple vacation or to dwell on hypothetical things. With his line of work, if he wasn’t killing someone, he wouldn’t get paid. Didn’t help that it demanded a lot of money to stay alive and hidden from the wider world. Kill the right people for the right amount, and you would put yourself in a few too many bucket lists of people others want dead. Meaning, a million dollars would uplift someone and put them in a better spot. To Mark, that million dollars is just a weekly salary to prevent the occasional occupational hazards.
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‘Hello ma’am.’ Mark said to the security lady at the last checkpoint.
The woman was taken by surprise by his thick Kenyan accent. She grabbed Mark’s false Kenyan passport to check if he was legit. So far, the details were correct. Caucasian, male, 24-years-old, lean but fit, short black hair, and a large square nose.
‘Are you for business or pleasure?’ The security lady asked him.
Mark smirked, ‘officially I came here for business. However, for you, I can make an exception and stay here for pleasure.’
‘Trying to butter me up?’ She playfully replied before handing over his passport.
‘Butter you up?’ He shook his head. ‘My darling, I prefer to appreciate beauty than just slab it with butter. That is unless you prefer a bit of tang.’
It was easy for her to look him up in their database. Just a few clicks away and a face scan, and she would have one of the world’s most dangerous assassin standing right in front of her. Someone who made a living killing US and NAC soldiers.
However, believing that the man in front of her was a decent person. She didn’t bother looking him up. How could a flirty young man be capable of something evil like making a living from murder? It was not a job many would take willingly.
Seeing that there was nothing wrong. She winked at him before discreetly handing him a piece of paper with her phone number on it. ‘Welcome to the United States of America. Enjoy your stay.’
Mark grabbed his case and winked back at her. However, he knew he was a bit early for the job interview. So, to enjoy the taste of Miami and his time in the United States. He did what any tourist would do before collecting their luggage. Going to the airport bar to pay for overpriced booze.
